Weston’s Optima Stadium was akin to a carnival atmosphere on Saturday as hundreds paid tribute to their legendary groundsman Bob Flaskett during his testimonial match.

Bob, 79, joined Weston-super-Mare FC back in 2004 when chairman Paul Bliss quickly noticed Bob’s excellent skills and recruited him as the club’s full-time groundsman, a job he would keep for 20 years.

Not long after, in 2006, Bob was presented third place in the FA groundsman awards for the then Nationwide Conference, an outstanding achievement.

Before the game Bob was also surprised by his son Duncan, who had come from Brisbane, Australia for the testimonial game.

The pair had not seen each other for nine years, making it an emotional moment for all involved.

For the actual match a team of former Weston players from the 2005-06 football season took on a team of former Weston St John’s players, known as ‘Flash’s Legends’ – ‘Flash’ being the name associated to the legendary groundsman.

Weston Mercury: Weston chairman Paul Bliss (left) awarding Bob Flaskett his silver salver for his service to the clubWeston chairman Paul Bliss (left) awarding Bob Flaskett his silver salver for his service to the club (Image: Alan Cooper)The Weston Legends went into a 3-0 lead on the half hour after a brace from Matt Rose and another from Paul Hunt opened the scoring.

Trevor Haslett netted a glorious right foot strike from distance early in the second half for ‘Flash’s legends’ to make it 3-1 before Louis Hogg added a fourth goal for the Weston Legends, a 16-yard strike that gave goalkeeper Roger Higgs little chance.

Ethan Rose rounded off proceedings with a fine volley late in the game.

Speaking after the game, club chairman Paul Bliss said: “Bob has given 30 years of incredible service to Weston St John’s football club and a further twenty of equal measure to us.

“We have been extraordinarily lucky to have him here with us for so long, he is an example to everyone with his wonderful hard work and loyalty and it’s been great for us all to have him around the place, I’m sure that we will see him back at the club from time to time”.

The legendary Bob Flaskett added: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic day.

“Everyone has rallied so well, and it’s been a wonderful, quite an emotional day.

“There are too many names to mention, and I am completely overwhelmed.

“I just want to say a special thank you to the Bliss family who made it all happen today and to everyone who attended and came along to enjoy the day.”